GDHQNHL15_2pg-Carolina Hurricanes 1

NJ Devils Gameday HQ

Carolina
HURRICANES
Key Additions:
LW Brad Malone; C Jay
McClement; D Tim Gleason;
Head Coach Bill Peters; GM Ron
Francis
Key Subtractions:
G Justin Peters; C Manny
Malhetra; C Brett Sutter; Head
Coach Kirk Muller; GM Jim
Rutherford
Strengths:
Improved forward line
Weaknesses:
Power-play scoring, goaltending
Offense
For a team that was 23rd in the league in goals scored, losing
second-line center Jordan Staal to a broken fibula during the preseason
was not a good thing. That puts even more pressure on players like
Alexander Semin, who struggled with an injured wrist last year, and Eric
Staal, who had problems last year and underwent core injury surgery
over the summer.
Semin managed 22 goals last year, but he is capable of more and must
deliver for the ‘Canes to overcome Jordan Staal’s injury and hold on for
the three-to-four months he’ll be out. Eric Staal had 21 goals last year, but
that was his lowest total in a full season since his rookie year.
Jeff Skinner doesn’t have anything to apologize for after scoring 33
goals last season. The 22-year old has a very bright future and could go
even further this year. If all three are playing at top form, that’s a pretty
solid first line.
The Hurricanes re-signed Jiri Tlusty during the offseason, after
he scored 16 goals last year. That was a drop from the 23 he had in the
shortened 2012-13 season. Expect Nathan Gerbe to be solid on the third
line, and Riley Nash has the ability to be a versatile performer on the
fourth line at either center or the wing. Defensemen Andrej Sekera and
Justin Faulk demonstrated the ability to set up teammates from the
point, a big reason why they are such a solid tandem.
Carolina is excited about Zach Boychuk, who looks ready to join the
big club after leading the AHL with 38 goals last year. He also led the
league in power-play scores, something that could help the team’s anemic
man-up unit thrive some more. He will likely start the year on the third
line, but the team is hoping he can make an impact and become more
important as he gets older.
Defense
The aforementioned Faulk-Sekera pairing is the best thing about the
Carolina defense. Even though both ended up with minus ratings, each is
a strong defenseman and can help on the offensive end with his passing.
They play roles on the power play and don’t take a lot of dumb penalties.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
METROPOLITAN DIVISION
Jeff Skinner
Len Redkoles/NHL/Getty Images